Two prisoners, who argued that rules which bar them from voting in the Scottish independence referendum breach their human rights, have lost an appeal at the Supreme Court.

The UK’s highest court dismissed claims brought by Leslie Moohan and Andrew Gillon following a day-long hearing in London on Thursday.

A panel of Supreme Court Justices analysed provisions laid out in the Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Act 2013, and considered whether a ban on prisoners voting was incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights, and whether they breached the common law right to vote.

The justices were told that both inmates want to vote in the referendum on September 18 but are not eligible under the Franchise Act.

Lawyers for the two men argued that the prohibition is incompatible with prisoners' rights under common and European law.

But the justices disagreed. Supreme Court president Lord Neuberger said reasons for the decision would be given at a later date.

The prisoners had appealed to the Supreme Court after their claims had been dismissed in Scotland by the Outer House and Inner House of the Court of Session.